Before the enactment of Commissions of Inquiry, Act, 1952, the government ordered public inquiry either by executive notice under the Public Service Inquiries Act, 1850 or by making add hoc legislation. To meet the ever-growing need for ever-increasing demand for public inquiries by independent and impartial authority the procedure adopted by the government was found to be cumbersome and inadequate. Hence the need was felt that a suitable legislation be brought out on the subject, resulting in the introduction of the Commissions of Inquiry Bill, 1952 in the Parliament.

ACT 60 OF 1952

The commissions of Inquiry Bill, 1952 was passed by both the Houses of Parliament and after being assented by the President of India it became the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952 (60 of 1952)

LIST OF AMENDING ACTS

1. The commissions of Inquiry (Amendment) Act, 1971 (79 of 1971)

2. The Delegated Legislation Provisions (Amendment) Act, 1985 (4 of 1986)

3. The Commission of Inquiry (Amendment) Act, 1986 (36 of 1986)

4. The Commissions of Inquiry (Amendment) Act, 1988 (63 of 1988)

5. The Commissions of Inquiry (Amendment) Act, 1990 (19 of 1990)